Fed-OSHA is holding a stakeholder meeting July 17, in Washington, D.C., to discuss the future direction of its Voluntary Protection Programs. The agency’s aim is to “reshape VPP so that it continues to represent safety and health excellence, leverages partner resources, further recognizes the successes of long-term participants, and supports smart program growth.” Fed-OSHA is […]
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Cal/OSHA Seeks Huge Penalties in Refinery Explosion
The Division of Occupational Safety and Health has cited ExxonMobil Refining for 19 alleged violations following an investigation into the February 18 explosion at the company’s Torrance refinery. The incident only slightly injured four workers, but investigators concluded that management had been aware of hazardous conditions at the unit in question, yet took no steps […]
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Standards Board Finally Gets Seats Filled
Gov. Jerry Brown has reappointed four current members of the Cal/OSH Standards Board and named two new members to Cal/OSHA’s rulemaking body. The appointments are being said to provide both stability and new faces to the board. The newly appointed members are Robert Blink, 62, of San Francisco, and John Sacco, 60, of Rocklin. Both […]
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Short Window to Comment on Heat Illness Guidance
Do you have questions about Cal/OSHA’s new revisions to the heat illness prevention regulation? Do you want the Division of Occupational Safety and Health to address your ideas and concerns in its updated guidance document on the regulation? You have to act fast – before Friday, March 6 if you want to weigh in. DOSH […]
Curated Content Articles of Interest from Around the Web
News Digest 11-30-2020
OR-OSHA fines gym $90K for violating COVID ‘freeze’
Oregon OSHA last week fined a fitness business $90,000 for defying an executive order and remaining open throughout a two-week COVID-19 related “freeze.” According to Governor Kate Brown, 21 counties were under restrictions during the two-week shutdown that expires December 3. Indoor gyms will remain closed. U.S. News & World Report
What will Fed-OSHA enforcement look like under the new administration?
Two Morgan Lewis attorneys discuss the possibility of an emergency temporary standard for COVID-19 hazards leading to increased inspections and citations by Fed-OSHA under the next president. JD Supra
West Virginia University receives Harwood grant to teach oil, gas safety
The West Virginia University Extension Service Safety and Health Extension is one of 90 nationwide recipients of Fed-OSHA’s Susan Harwood federal safety and health training grants. WVNews
MIOSHA emphasis programs to focus on construction, manufacturing industries
Michigan OSHA plans to use two emphasis programs to ensure compliance with COVID-19 workplace safety in the construction and manufacturing industries, as infections have spiked across the state. The programs will be in effect through February 8. Some steps construction and manufacturing businesses must take include: conducting daily health screenings of employees and contractors; isolating those with symptoms and quarantining close contacts; and requiring employees to wear face coverings. WPBN/WGTU
How much do plexiglass shields help?
Businesses and workplaces have pointed to plexiglass dividers as one tool they are using to keep people safe against the spread of the coronavirus. How effective are they? WLFI (West Lafayette, Ind.)
Las Vegas sports businesses cited for COVID-19 noncompliance
Nevada OSHA cited three sports businesses in the Las Vegas area for COVID-19 noncompliance the week prior to Thanksgiving. They include a basketball center the agency says held close-contact competition basketball games involving players and referees. KTNV (Las Vegas)
OFF-TOPIC
Federal judge rules California’s ban on ‘offensive’ vanity plates unconstitutional
A U.S district court judge last week ruled that California’s ban on “offensive” vanity license plates violates the First Amendment, on grounds including that there is no set criteria to determine what counts as ‘offensive.’ Daily Caller